Information

Acknowledgement to Country

We acknowledge the Mumirimina people the traditional custodians of this Country on which we work – the Land, the air and the smell of the Bush, the Lakes, Rivers and Creeks that flow to the sea, the sky above our heads, and the coloured paintings in the clouds, the dawn and dusk. We recognise Aboriginal people’s continuing connection to Land, Sea, Waterways, Sky and Culture, together with their families, Brothers, Sisters, Uncles and Aunties. We pay our respects to the Elders, past and present, for they hold the memories, the knowledge, and the culture and hopes of Aboriginal Tasmania and the Country upon which we walk and which makes us complete. 

Our Approach

Biotope crafts holistic designs that connect people to nature. From homes that have minimal impact on a site’s ecology, to discreet additions on existing properties, to collaborations with local makers for bespoke interiors. Our designs focus on context and seek to enhance the connection to site through carefully considered spatial composition. 

It’s in the immediate and broader landscapes where cues are found on how to preserve, regenerate and create a natural environment setting for each of our projects. It’s why building elements, like courtyards and skylights for example, are often introduced to connect to the external environment and surrounding skyscapes. These are examples of how passive design principles are used to reduce costs and be kinder to the Earth. 

When life changes, spaces often need to be altered or expanded to fit current and future needs. Whether that’s an extension to the family home for entertaining, or an environmentally conscious workspace added to a heritage-listed property. We design to retain and work with as much of the original heritage fabric as possible while transforming the building into a space that fits your current and future needs. Adapting and reusing buildings has many environmental benefits: it’s cost effective, takes less time to complete, saves natural resources, retains history and can engender positive changes within a community.

The location of a building and its distinctive setting are vital to our approach. These design principles grew out of the need to create an architectural language and expression that keeps with current thinking and the need for sustainable, environmentally sensitive buildings. Flora, fauna, the weather, the urban context and site history all play a significant part in informing design practice so that structures are unobtrusive elements on the landscape. Local materials and craftspeople are resourced and their bespoke elements reference the site and the environment in which a building will stand.

Collaboration is key to project success: Biotope is the anchor bringing clients, consultancy teams, builders and makers together to create amazing work. Get in touch with us to start a conversation about your next project.

Our Values

Sustainability

We have a social and moral responsibility to ensure that Earth, our home, is sustained for future generations. This is high on our list of priorities when designing: we reuse, recycle and incorporate found materials in creative ways, as much as possible.

Collaboration 

The design process is a collaboration with our clients. consultant team and the local council. This brings perspectives and creativity to our design solutions, resulting in a design that reflects the brief and works within any constraints.

Integrity 

We’re proud of our ability to uphold authentic building traditions and architectural principles without copying superficial, transient styles. Wisdom and truth is expressed in material and structure.

Responsive 

We actively listen to our clients to ensure their needs are met and they feel seen and heard. We understand and champion the value of regular communication and keep all parties abreast of project details and upcoming initiatives.  

Awards

2022/23 Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Awards
Finalist ‘The Lake House’

2020 AIA
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
Chapter Commendation ‘The Lake House’

Sustainable Architecture
Chapter Commendation ‘The Lake House’

2018 Houses Awards
Shortlisted ‘Blue Magnolia’

2018 AIA Tasmanian Chapter Awards
Shortlisted for Heritage Architecture